Laois Rose Sinead Dowd plans eco friendly fashion statement at Rose of Tralee

Excitement is building for the Laois Rose, with the Rose of Tralee festival fast approaching.

Young teacher Sinead Dowd who moved as a teen from New York to live with relatives in her beloved Cullohill, is hoping to make a sustainable fashion statement in Kerry.

She has already met the supportive former Laois Roses “sisterhood”and they are offering her even more than just advice, information and support. 

“We are planning to meet up again and they are bringing all the dresses they wore for their Laois Rose events. I hope to borrow one or two, if they fit me.

“As a geography teacher, I teach sustainability as a whole section, and so am very aware of the concerns of fast fashion. Realistically many of those dresses we don’t get a chance to wear again. I hope I can wear one and it will bring me a bit of luck too,” the Laois Rose told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Sinead has just finished work in Scoil Chríost Rí  to focus on her whirlwind summer of public events and preparations.

She has been enjoying hair, nail, skin and beauty treatments free thanks to the main Laois Rose sponsor The Style Bar, as well as attending official events including the 10th birthday of Portlaoise Mens Shed, the Source to Sea book launch by Laois canoeist Michael G Phelan and the Durrow Vintage pedallers event.

Still to come for Sinead is the Folly Festival in her home town on July 7 and 8, where she will judge the dog show and the bake off, as well as launching the weeklong Durrow Scarecrow Festival on July 30 and attending it’s Ladies Night.

On July 29, she will formally attend the Relay 4 Life event at Emo Court, an uplifting fitness event over two days that celebrates cancer survivors. 

Her main gown for the televised interview with Daithí Ó Sé is a special buy.

“I bought it in the Be Fabulous boutique in Limerick, it will be a surprise,” she said.

The Laois Rose is holding her own charity fundraiser for the Alzheimers Society.

It will be a night of live music, food and drinks by the river Erkina, in Bob’s Bar, Durrow.

“It is a personal charity for me as my boyfriend’s grandmother passed, so I’m doing it in respect of her. I hope the weather is nice so people can sit outside by the river.

“My uncle Billy White is doing the music, suited for all ages.

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“I will have food provided, and businesses have been very good offering me raffle prizes, with the top prize so far being a night’s stay in Killashee hotel,” Sinead said.

She is excited for the festival, which takes place from Friday, August 18 to Tuesday, August 22.

“I am enjoying the year, and getting out to the local communities and meeting people. I’m really looking forward to Tralee, I hope to make Laois proud,” Sinead said.